The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce is proud to shine a spotlight on Catherine Poulin in our "Community Proud" series, sponsored by Charter Oak Credit Union. Catherine is the Director of Sales & Marketing at The Haley Mansion on the Inn at Mystic property. She has a true passion for bringing people together, creating memorable experiences, and making a positive impact in the community.

From creating tea parties at a very young age to producing corporate events later in life, the art of bringing an idea to life has always fascinated Catherine. She has always loved starting with a simple concept, building it piece by piece, and then watching it come together while seeing the smiles it creates for others.

Even as a child, Catherine's family patio often became her stage, with her parents always having front-row seats. She says they patiently sat through countless performances and productions, and looking back, she believes those early years were the beginning of a lifelong passion.

Catherine's career has been an exciting journey centered around people, community, and creativity. One of her first jobs was at a television station as assistant to the General Manager, where she helped launch multiple television series, including Movie Watch and Cruisin' CT. That experience helped her realize how much she loved creating something from scratch and bringing an idea to life.

Catherine later launched her own company, New England Business Network (NEBN), which she credits as an incredible experience that taught her invaluable lessons about business, perseverance, networking, and relationships.

Eventually, Catherine returned to school to earn her master's degree and became an elementary school teacher. While academics were important, she says some of her favorite lessons were about kindness, appreciating what you have, respecting others, and giving back.

Catherine stayed in touch with a mentor and dear friend, Bob Kaufman of Bob's Discount Furniture. She created the Bob's Discount Furniture Outreach Program, which combined everything Catherine loves most: community service, creating events, relationship building, and helping people. Catherine spearheaded the vision for creating a dedicated outreach department focused entirely on charitable giving and community partnerships. Bob gave Catherine the opportunity to build what would become Bob's Outreach Department. She says that leap of faith changed her life. What began as an idea grew into one of the most fulfilling chapters of her career, and she remained with Bob's Discount Furniture for 19 wonderful years. Catherine credits Bob with teaching her that success isn't measured solely by what a company earns, but by what it gives back. The goal wasn't recognition. It was creating a ripple effect of kindness.

Today, Catherine serves as Director of Sales & Marketing at The Haley Mansion on the Inn at Mystic property. She says she feels incredibly fulfilled and loves representing one of Mystic's most beautiful and historic properties. Whether it's a wedding, fundraiser, corporate event, community festival, or special celebration, she still feels the same excitement watching an idea come to life.

Catherine says she is incredibly fortunate to represent the Inn at Mystic, The Haley Mansion, Rocks 21, and Room 245 alongside an ownership team, general managers, and staff who are passionate about hospitality and creating unforgettable experiences. She says it is a privilege to work with people who care so deeply about both their guests and the community.

Catherine is a proud mom, daughter, sister, and fiancée. She says her family is her greatest blessing, and everything she does is rooted in the values they instilled in her: kindness, gratitude, and helping others.

Community, Catherine says, is simply part of who she is. She was raised to put others first, appreciate your blessings, and help those in need whenever possible. She believes kindness is contagious, and whether through teaching, community outreach, fundraising, or hospitality, she has seen firsthand how one act of kindness can inspire another. That's what keeps her motivated every day.

Over the years, Catherine has been fortunate to work with many incredible organizations, including Make-A-Wish Connecticut, veterans' initiatives, local charities, schools, and community fundraisers. Most recently, she has been honored to help bring the Fire and Freedom Festival to life, celebrating 250 years of service and sacrifice while bringing communities together to honor our veterans.

When asked what inspires her, Catherine points to people who lead with kindness, as well as teachers, veterans, volunteers, and her family. She believes joy is not only contagious but inspirational. Some of life's most meaningful moments come from simple connections, a shared laugh, a kind word, or making someone feel seen and appreciated.

Catherine is passionate about giving back, supporting local businesses, helping others succeed, and creating opportunities for people to connect. She truly believes communities become stronger when we invest in one another.

A fun fact about Catherine is that one of her favorite childhood experiences was serving as a "Junior Clown." She visited children's hospitals, performing and trying to make young patients smile. At a very young age, she learned how fortunate she was, that there is incredible joy in making someone laugh during a difficult time, and that giving back truly matters.

In her free time, Catherine enjoys spending time with family and friends, riding her bike, trail running, enjoying the shoreline, attending the theater, and finding reasons to celebrate the people around her.

Catherine wants to recognize her family, friends, coworkers, mentors, and community partners. "None of us succeeds alone," she says, and she is grateful every day for the people who continue to encourage, inspire, challenge, and support her.

She also wants to extend a special thank you to her mother and father, her brothers, her incredibly supportive fiancé, Matt, and her children, Madison and Ryan, who never cease to amaze her. Catherine says her children's kindness, talents, strengths, and commitment to helping others make her proud beyond words.

She also wants to recognize the incredible ownership team, general managers, leadership team, and staff at the Inn at Mystic, The Haley Mansion, Rocks 21, and Room 245. She says it is a privilege to represent such a beautiful property and work alongside people who are committed to creating unforgettable experiences for their guests.

Looking back, Catherine sees a common thread running through every chapter of her life, from creating tea parties on her parents' patio, to developing community outreach programs and corporate events, to now helping create magical weddings and celebrations overlooking Mystic Harbor.

She has always loved bringing people together, creating something meaningful, and seeing the smiles that follow.

The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce is honored to recognize Catherine Poulin in our Community Proud series. Her passion for hospitality, commitment to service, and dedication to strengthening the community make her a wonderful example of someone who truly embodies what it means to be Community Proud.